World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

31/10/2014 12:00 a.m.

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Friday 31 October 2014

World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims will be held for the fourth time in Ashburton next month.

Starting at 2pm on Sunday 16 November, this commemorative event recognises the loss and injury suffered by families and the community as a result road crashes that have taken place on our District's roads.

Since 1 January this year, 176 New Zealanders have died as a result of road crashes and 1351 seriously injured. 8 of these deaths and 11 of the serious injuries occurred on Ashburton District roads. (All figures accurate to the best of NZTA database knowledge as of 20 October 2014).

Road Safety Coordinator Aileen Campbell says anyone who has been affected by a road crash is welcome to attend the event.

"We encourage the family members and friends of those lost to road crashes, as well as people from the wider community, to come along to this commemorative event which will see 10 native Beech trees planted in the Smallbone Reserve, adjacent to Robinson Street," says Ms Campbell.

Ms Campbell says World Remembrance Day is also about celebrating the incredible work done by the emergency service teams and all those people who care and support others through road crash tragedies.

"Following our commemorative event in Smallbone Reserve, an afternoon tea will be held for the service and support staff at the Ashburton Fire Headquarters to recognise the valuable work they do. The Fire Headquarters will also be open to the community at the same time to give people the chance to look at the fire trucks and speak to staff," she says.

World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims has been recognised in many countries since 2005 when the United Nations called on all member nations to recognise the day and to challenge the assumption that deaths on the road are normal and acceptable.

If anyone would like to speak at the commemorative ceremony, please contact Aileen Campbell, Road Safety Coordinator on 307 7784 or email aileen.campbell@adc.govt.nz